INTRODUCTION
Ambien pills spilled next to a glass of alcohol
Ambien—the brand name of the hypnotic drug zolpidem—is a short-acting benzodiazepine sedative. It makes people sleepy, but it’s not in the same drug class as many anxiety medications. It is approved by the FDA for the short-term treatment of insomnia due to insomnia.
Ambien is preferred over benzodiazepines because it is less addictive and less likely to be abused; but there are still some possibilities. Ambien also has some side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and these can be change into worse if it gets mixed with alcohol.
Ambien is a sedative-hypnotic drug prescribed to help people with sleep disorders fall asleep and/or stay asleep throughout the night. By increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in our brain, it slows down activity in the brain and central nervous system (CNS) and is quickly used to induce sleep.
Can we take AMBIEN on a daily basis?
Like all sleep aids, Ambien is intended for short-term use (usually no longer than two weeks), not as a long-term solution or treatment. Research shows that there could be a link between those who take Ambien or other sleeping pills daily and an increase in mortality.
IS AMBIEN DANGEROUS FOR LIVER?
Ambien is mainly metabolized by the liver. Liver damage can be a side effect of Ambien, but it is rare. However, the FDA recommends that patients with liver impairment, which means that the liver cannot perform normal synthetic and metabolic functions, should receive the lowest dose (5 mg) of Ambien. People with cirrhosis and kidney disease are also frequent conditions. Lowering the body’s ability to eliminate Ambien also requires lower doses.
Symptoms that indicates you have had over dose of AMBIEN
Due to the speedy relaxing properties of Ambien, a person can enter in the state of unconsciousness fast. Ambient overdose symptoms:
- Fainting or fainting
- Difficulty or labored breathing
- Breathing is irregular, fast or slow or shallow
- Discolored or bluish lips, nails, or skin
- Difficulty in waking up
- Slow heart rate
- Coma
MIXING ALCOHOL WITH AMBIEN
Merging Ambien with alcohol together can cause extra dose, misperceptions and incoordination, confusion, high-risk behavior, and annexations.
Mixing alcohol with Ambien increases the risk of parasomnias, including insomnia, sleep eating, and sleep walking.
To avoid connections between Ambien and alcohol, wait for 24 hours to have alcohol after taking Ambien and vise versa.
WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE AMBIEN AND ALCOHOL TOGETHER?
Ambien is a prescribed drug that is used by people for getting fast sleep. So why is it mixed with alcohol? Polydrug use is a common health and drug use problem. Although mixing these drugs can be dangerous, there are several reasons why others may do so. Many people mix ingredients by simple accident.
Some people drink a glass of wine with dinner every day, while others drink it occasionally. Because it’s common in our culture, many people don’t think about drinking when taking medication. When looking for medication for sleep problems, it could be Ambien or another depressant. A recipe can also be included in your life to become regular.
You can take Ambien before bed after a night of drinking and then resume your normal sleep routine when you get home.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to the information and warning labels on your prescription. When you get a new prescription, ask your doctor about how to use it safely and make sure you know what to do with alcohol.
Others intentionally mix Ambien with alcohol. Because both are depressants, some people try to mix them to get a strong relaxation. Other depressants in the benzodiazepine class, such as Canax, are often mixed with alcohol to induce relaxation. However, Ambien is more likely to make you feel sleepy and drowsy when mixed with alcohol. Since you are mixing with the intention of being exposed to strong influences, it can be more dangerous than mixing. High doses of either or both can be fatal when mixed.
As a result, some people mix drugs to self-medicate. Some people who are frustrated by physical or emotional problems may mix Ambien with alcohol to relieve their feelings or symptoms. In this case, it is better to ask a doctor or a trusted person for help.
SIDE EFFECTS OF USING BOTH AMBIEN AND ALCOHOL TOGETHER
Labels on sleep medications such as Ambien warn against drinking alcohol while taking the medication.
As we know insomnia and alcohol dependence often go together. Additionally, alcohol works with Ambien on the GABA receptors in our brain, increasing the effects of Ambien and alcohol. Rates of sleep problems among people treated for alcohol dependence disorder (AUD) vary, but have been reported to range from 25-72%. Additionally, non-alcohol dependents may try to induce deeper sleep by mixing alcohol with Ambien. However, this interaction can be serious. The FDA warns against taking Ambien if you drink alcohol. Both drugs depress the CNS, which controls breathing, heart rate, and brain function. Combined effects are potentiated, which can be dangerous and cause serious physical problems, including:
- Dizziness.
- Insomnia or insomnia.
- Confused.
- Hallucinations.
- Drowsiness or difficulty breathing.
- Impaired motor control.
- Unusual behavior.
- hallucination
- Loss of consciousness
- Slow heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Shaking uncontrollably
- Scam
- vomit
- worried
- fainting
- Being confused
Although this side effect has been studied in heavy drinkers, dangerous effects can occur when Ambien is mixed with a portion of alcohol. In addition, the body’s time to eliminate Ambien varies from person to person. Factors such as age, weight, other medications taken, existing medical conditions, and kidney and liver function all affect the length of time a drug stays in a person’s system. Studies show that the average time it takes to clear 5-10 mg of Ambien from the system is about 14 to 17 hours. That is why people are advised to avoid alcohol while taking Ambien.
Ambien tends to have side effects in the morning, especially after less than a full night’s sleep (defined as 7-8 hours). This is one of the reasons why doctors are careful to limit the dose to the lowest amount (5 mg for women and 5 or 10 mg for men). Ambien and alcohol together can increase side effects the next day.
HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MIXING ALCOHOL AND AMBIEN TOGETHER
Mixing Ambien with alcohol slows down your brain activity and vital functions to a very low level. Sedatives like Ambien are addictive after a short time, and you develop a tolerance to them, you are more likely to overdose
Combining the two drugs can make you anxious and confused, and it’s easy to accidentally take too much Ambien or drink alcohol while you’re in that state. In addition to causing irreparable harm to your brain, liver and respiratory system, long-lasting use of Alcohol and Ambien can be a risk factor to a deadly overdose.
TREATMENTS THAT CAN DONE FOR AMBIEN AND ALCOHOL
When you are ready to break free from drug addiction, Recovery Town can help. Our addiction specialists will work with you one-on-one to understand your current situation and find the right treatment for you. If you’re ready to make a change, we’ll help you take the first step.
Medical measures will ensure your safety, and the doctor will be able to make you as comfortable as possible when you experience withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol and substance abuse is a dangerous form of substance use disorder. If it becomes an addiction, it can quickly get out of control. Addiction is a chronic disease that can last for a long time. However, there is help and treatment for addiction and alcoholism. Overcoming addiction is a serious illness, but with the right help and resources, you can live an addiction-free life.